Flylife

The latest Recon fly rod series from Orvis delivers a compelling mix of durability, performance, and versatility, positioning itself as a true go-anywhere rod built for anglers who demand reliability without sacrificing feel. Drawing on construction techniques inspired by Orvis' flagship Helios range, the new Recon rods are engineered with increased hoop strength, resulting in improved lifting power and overall durability.

The new Pescador fly box range from Fishpond delivers a thoughtful balance of durability, functionality, and sustainability, offering anglers a streamlined storage solution built around recycled materials and practical design. At the core of the range is the use of post-consumer recycled EVA Dynamic Foam providing secure fly retention while reducing overall weight and environmental impact.

The Simms Scout Hip Pack is one of those pieces of gear that quietly earns its place in your kit from the very first outing. Designed for anglers who like to stay mobile, it strikes a balance between minimalist carry and practical storage. At the heart of the Scout Pack is its construction. Built from recycled Challenger Sailcloth, it feels impressively tough for something so lightweight, shrugging off scrapes, moisture, and the general abuse that comes with scrambling along riverbanks.

Fishing across a lot of different environments - freshwater, saltwater, up north and down south - I need a boot that I can just get on with it. The River Salt II does exactly that. It's built for crossover. You can move from salt flats to rivers without changing gear, and there's no sense of compromise. That matters. I don't want different boots for different places. I want one pair I can trust wherever I end up. Underfoot, the Vibram Megagrip soles are solid.

Regular readers would be aware that I am a big advocate for long rods when it comes to nymphing. For many years now I have been using an 11' 3-weight on our rivers as my main rod, and for times when I want to nymph tighter water I will take one of my shorter rods. This isn't necessarily practical for an angler who may only nymph a handful of times a year, or who wants to see if nymphing is really for them. Earlier this season I decided to revisit multi-length nymphing rods.

The updated Hydros fly reel from Orvis builds on one of the most popular reels in the lineup, refining a proven design with meaningful performance upgrades and improved usability. At the centre of the update is a new end-to-end sealed drag system, delivering enhanced durability and protection from water, sand, and grit.

Airflo's new saltwater leader and tippet range is a well-thought-out expansion to an already extensive lineup, aimed squarely at anglers who spend more time battling the elements on the flats than talking about it back at the ramp. All products in the range are made in Japan using premium materials, and that attention to quality shows through straight away.

Scientific Anglers refines presentation and control with the versatile Trout GP fly line The new Trout GP fly line from Scientific Anglers is a refined, modern take on the true general-purpose trout line — one that leans toward finesse without sacrificing versatility. Built around the proven belly profile of the Infinity taper, Trout GP introduces a slightly longer front and rear taper and is rated at ¼ size heavy, offering a subtle boost in casting feel.

Leighton Adem field tests the Orvis Ratio reel on Murray cod in demanding river conditions My first experience of the new Orvis Ratio reel didn’t happen on a tropical flat or offshore reef, but on the Ovens River in search of Murray cod (see p32). It was an unlikely proving ground for a reel conceived for saltwater and big game, but in hindsight it felt perfectly fitting. Cod, after all, demand the same things as any apex predator — authority, control, and absolute trust in your gear.

Leighton Adem reviews the Yeti Cayo backpack as a crossover performer for fishing and everyday use I’ve recently been using the Cayo 25L backpack from Yeti and it’s exactly what I’ve come to expect from Yeti: refined, robust, and quietly confidence-inspiring. The build quality stands out with materials that feel premium without being flashy, the seams are precise, and the overall aesthetic is clean and purposeful.